NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we're incorporating grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Carlos Correa would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

Starting Pitching:

Andrew Cashner, Padres – Cashner, after a nightmarish start on July 8, ripped off a quality start Friday, allowing just one four on four hits with none strikeouts in six innings. This outing was Cashner's fifth quality start in his last eight, though his ERA still sits at 5.05 for the year. Cashner's big issue is his inability to stay healthy, and with San Diego playing for the future, it wouldn't be surprising if he were on the block. The stuff makes him worth a flier if he happens to be available in your league. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Paul Clemens/Edwin Jackson, Padres – Clemens and Jackson were the primary options to replace Drew Pomeranz in the San Diego rotation. Clemens posted a 4.30 ERA, 4.13 FIP and 7.9 K/9 ratio at Triple-A New Orleans before he was promoted to make two starts for the Marlins. He then was dealt to the Padres, and after a short stint in the minors, was called up earlier this month and has made three bullpen appearances. Jackson posted a 5.91 ERA in 10.2 innings out of the bullpen for Miami before he was released and signed by the Padres. He has started three games at Triple-A El Paso, posting a 7.11 ERA over 12.2 innings. Neither is a great option, but Jackson is getting the first crack at filling Pomeranz's spot in the rotation. Clemens - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2; Jackson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention, as he was brilliant Friday night, striking out a season-high 10 batters. Injuries have limited him to eight starts, but he now has 54 strikeouts along with a 3.06 ERA and 1.14 whip 35.1 innings. De Leon's recent streak has been spurred by attacking hitters with his low-90s fastball and judicious use of plus-plus changeup and slider. He is the second-best pitching prospect for LA, right behind Julio Urias, and could be up in the majors before long. DeLeon tossed 114.1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 33.1 innings to date, he likely should be able to pitch the entire rest of the 2016 campaign without needing to be shut down. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec bid)

Edwin Escobar, Diamondbacks – Escobar, who made two starts for the D-Backs earlier in the year, posting a 14.14 ERA and a 2.57 WHIP in seven innings, was called up Friday with Shelby Miller getting sent down. It's not as if Escobar was pitching well at Triple-A Reno, as he had a 5.08 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. So if he does replace Miller in the starting rotation, stay far away, though the belief is Zach Godley is getting the call. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves – Foltynewicz missed a month with bone spurs in his pitching elbow and after a rough first start back, has reeled off a pair of quality starts. He allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over seven innings with all three runs scoring in the seventh Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, Foltynewicz was 2-2 with 3.51 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB ratio in 28.2 innings. He is still pitching with the bone spurs in his elbow, though that should not sideline him unless the situation worsens. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27 (due to strikeout potential).

Zack Godley, Diamondbacks – Godley filled in for Zack Greinke earlier this month when his mild oblique strain landed him on the disabled list, allowing four runs in five innings. He gets a third chance to stick in the Arizona rotation, having made one other start in June, with Shelby Miller sent down to Triple-A Reno on Thursday. Godley will start Tuesday and after that it depends on well he performs, if Miller shows enough to get called back quickly or Arizona turns to Braden Shipley. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Tyrell Jenkins, Braves – Jenkins, who came over from St. Louis to Atlanta before last season in the Jason Heyward deal, has mostly been pitching out of the bullpen since his mid-June call up. He made a spot start on July 5, allowing one run on four hits and one walk in 4.2 innings, returning to the bullpen after the outing. Jenkins will start Tuesday's game in Cincinnati and could stick in the rotation the rest of the season, as Atlanta has little to lose to see if he can be a fit there. He was a starter until this year, and while he lacks the upside of others in the system, his 92-94 mph fastball, curveball and changeup give him a shot to stick for a while in that role. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers – McCarthy, working his way his way back from Tommy John surgery last April, has been brilliant in his three starts since returning to the L.A. rotation. He shut out Arizona for six innings Saturday, surrendering just three hits while striking out eight. McCarthy has allowed just three runs over 16 innings in his three outings and may just be a six-inning max pitcher the rest of the way. But if he continues to pitch as he has since returning to action, McCarthy should be in line to post several wins. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24.

Jameson Taillon, Pirates – Taillon, was called up in mid-June to replace Gerrit Cole (triceps) in the Pittsburgh rotation. He made five starts, posting a 3.86 ERA and 21:5 K:BB ratio in 28 innings, before landing on the disabled list with right shoulder fatigue. The Pirates may have partially made the move to limit Taillon's innings, as he has already thrown a combined 89.1 innings after missing 2014 and 2015. Taillon rolled at Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a 2.04 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 61:6 K:BB in 61.2 innings to earn the call up. With Jon Niese now in the bullpen, there is an opening for Taillon, who said his arm felt fresh. Look for Taillon, who has added a two-seam fastball to his arsenal that consists of a low-90s four-seam fastball, slow curveball and changeup, to be activated and start Tuesday or Wednesday for the Pirates. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35.

Jake Thompson, Phillies – With Philly playing for the future, it may only be a week or two before Thompson is in the majors, as his outings mirror that of Jeremy Hellickson, who is on the block. He's allowed just four runs in his past eight starts, including Friday, when he blanked Buffalo on three hits over seven innings. Thompson, who came over in the Cole Hamels trade, made a mechanical adjustment after a poor start on May 31, aligning his upper and lower half in his delivery, and credits that for his turnaround, as he now is consistently throwing strikes. His fastball usually sits in the low-90s, topping out at 94 mph, and he mixes in a nasty slider and an improving curveball and changeup. Overall, Thompson is 8-5, 2.42 with just 91 hits allowed and a 77:32 K:BB in 111.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid).

Injury activation/updates:

Homer Bailey, Reds – Bailey, after a setback in May and getting eased back into action in June, has made three rehab appearances at Triple-A Louisville in this iteration of his return from Tommy John surgery in May 2015. He will make two more rehab starts on July 15 and 20 before the Reds consider activating him from the disabled list. Bailey, whose velocity has peaked at 95 mph, needs to build his pitch count up to the 80-90 range, which he should accomplish in those pair of starts. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – Kershaw, sidelined since his June 26 start with a herniated disc in his back, threw a successful 20-pitch bullpen session last Sunday and followed that up with a 60-pitch session Wednesday. He received an epidural for the injury and was expected to miss a month following a five-step rehab process. Kershaw threw a 60-pitch simulated game Sunday and could be back with the Dodgers this week without making a rehab start. If not, look for Kershaw to rejoin LA sometime during their homestand that begins on July 26. Just an FYI, as he better still be owned in all formats

Alex Wood, Dodgers – Wood, sidelined since May 31 with left elbow soreness, started throwing off a mound last week and threw two simulated innings Saturday. He likely will be back in early-to-mid August, barring any setbacks. Wood, who owns a 3.99 ERA and 62:19 K:BB ratio in 10 starts this season, may have to battle for a starting spot when he does return with Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu back and Bud Norris also in L.A. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec bid as last week).

Relief Pitchers:

Mauricio Cabrera/Jim Johnson/Chris Withrow, Braves – Arodys Vizcaino left Friday's game and was placed on the disabled with a strained right oblique, creating a hole at closer for the Braves. Johnson, who notched a save last week when Vizcaino was unavailable, likely will step into the fold in his stead. But that stint could be short, as Johnson is a candidate to be traded prior to the Aug. 1 deadline since Atlanta is well out of the race. Johnson has substantial closing experience, tallying at least 50 saves in 2012 and 2013 for Baltimore. If he doesn't close or is dealt, Cabrera and Withrow could get chances as well. Cabrera, who has a 103-mph fastball, was solid for Double-A Mississippi, going 3-3 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 9.49 K/9 while recording four saves to earn the promotion last month. He needs to show better control and get more swings-and-misses to hold down the role if he gets the shot. Withrow has been excellent the past month and he needs to continue to limit walks to be successful. Cabrera - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Johnson - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $18; Withrow - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Kevin Siegrist, Cardinals – Siegrist, who missed two weeks with mono, was activated Friday. Before landing on the DL, Siegrist had been one of St. Louis' most reliable relievers, compiling a 2.66 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 23.2 innings since the start of May and overall, he has a 34:11 K:BB ratio in 32.1 innings. Those numbers will likely mean he will serve as the set-up man to Seung Hwan Oh, who has taken over from Trevor Rosenthal as the Cardinals' closer. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.
 
Injury activation/updates:

Catchers:
 
Austin Hedges, Padres – Hedges finished the pre-Triple-A All-Star break on an absolute roll. That strong push helped him finish the first half with 16 home runs and 53 RBI in only 141 at-bats. Hedges has benefited from a 388 BABIP, which has masked his drop in walk rate and spike in K rate. But part of those changes may be due to Hedges only playing 38 games after missing six weeks with a broken wrist and it looks like Hedges' offense may have caught up to his stellar defense. If Derek Norris is traded at the pre-waiver deadline, Hedges will be promoted and finish the season as the Padres' starting catcher. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

A.J. Pierzynski/Anthony Recker, Braves – Pierzynski is in line for additional playing time with Tyler Flowers sidelined 4-6 weeks with a broken hand. AJP has been Atlanta's primary option at catcher versus right-handed pitching but now could see additional at-bats with Flowers out. After solid production the past few seasons, Pierzynski is hitting just .212/.233/.272 but has hit safely in six straight and blasted his first home run of the season Saturday. Recker, who played 2013-15 with the Mets and joined Cleveland this offseason and was traded to Atlanta in May, will take Flowers' place on the Braves' 25-man roster and could see starts against southpaws. Pierzynski - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2, 15-team NL: $7; Recker - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Francisco Cervelli, Pirates – Cervelli broke his wrist on June 11, requiring surgery to repair the injury. Following the operation, he wasn't expected to return to "full baseball activities" for 4-6 weeks. Cervelli began a rehab assignment for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday and should be back in the majors in about 1-2 weeks. Eric Fryer and Erik Kratz are holding down the fort behind the plate with Chris Stewart out until Cervelli, who was batting a disappointing.257/.373/.293 with zero home runs and 21 RBI, is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 15-team NL: $11 (early return bid).

First Basemen:

Injury activation/updates:

Lucas Duda, Mets – Duda, sidelined since May 23 with a stress fracture in his lower back, will finally resume baseball activity next week. He was to be sidelined 4-6 weeks, but now will miss more than two months, as he could possibly return by the middle of August. James Loney has been more than solid in replacing Duda, so the Mets may give him as much times as he needs, though the team does miss Duda's potential power in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 15-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

Second Base:

Dee Gordon, Marlins – Gordon's 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs ends on July 28. He is expected to begin a 10-game rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans on Monday in preparation to be activated on that date. Once he is back, Gordon should reclaim his spot as the Marlins' leadoff hitter and starting second baseman. If for some reason he was waived and as long as you don't believe that his growth last season was solely due to PEDs, run — don't walk — to pick him up, as Gordon should be a difference maker in steals the last two months of the season. 12-team Mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55, 15-team NL: $75.

Injury activation/updates:

Joe Panik, Giants – Panik was hit in the head by a pitch on June 18 but originally passed the concussion protocol. It took 11 days for him to be officially diagnosed with the concussion, which landed him on the disabled list. Panik continues to progress with his rehab, moving from light physical activity to taking grounders on July 9 and will begin a 3-4 game rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Monday. He should be back with the Giants late this week, resuming his role as starting second baseman. After a rough May, he righted the ship in June prior to being sidelined and will look to pick up from there when he is activated. 12-team Mixed: should be owned; 15-team Mixed: $18, 15-team NL: owned

Shortstops:

Alexi Amarista, Padres – Amarista, sent down to Triple-A El-Paso in early July to make room for Andrew Cashner, was called back up Friday. He hit .256/.319/.280 in 92 plate appearances in the first half and will resume his utility role off the bench. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Ehire Adrianza, Giants – Adrianza, out since April 15 with a fractured left foot, was originally expected to miss six weeks. He finally started his rehab assignment, which is to last 10-12 games, Wednesday as the designated hitter for High-A San Jose. When/if he is activated and brought back to the majors, he will serve as a backup middle infielder for the Giants. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $0.

Chris Owings, Diamondbacks – Owings, sidelined since June 7 with plantar fasciitis, was to kick off a rehab assignment at the end of that month. He finally began that rehab assignment this past Wednesday with the Diamondbacks' Rookie League squad. Prior to being sidelined, Owings had just gotten hot at the plate, solidifying his spot in the lineup. Arizona hopes Owings will be healthy enough to return to the team this week. When that does happen, his role is somewhat unclear, as Michael Bourn has been playing center while AJ. Pollock and David Peralta are also working their way back from injuries. As such, Owings could end up seeing time at short in place of Nick Ahmed. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Outfielders:

Yefri Perez, Marlins – Perez was promoted from Double-A Jacksonville on Friday to give the Marlins a backup outfielder. His main weapon is speed, so look for him to be a pinch runner and possibly a really cheap option for some speed. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Zach Walters, Dodgers – Walters, batting .298/.346/.491 with 10 HR and 47 RBI in 77 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City, was called up Saturday with Trayce Thompson landing on the disabled list with lower-back irritation. Walters may only be up until Joc Pederson is activated Tuesday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates:

Dexter Fowler, Cubs – Fowler, out since June 20 with a hamstring injury, should be back with the Cubs by the end of next week. Prior to being sidelined, Fowler hit .290/.398/.483 with seven home runs and 28 RBI. Jason Heyward or Albert Almora have manned center in his absence but Chicago will be happy to welcome back their catalyst atop the lineup, as the Cubs have gone just 8-15 in his absence. Just an FYI, as should be owned in all formats, if not, $45/$65/owned.

Gerardo Parra, Rockies – Parra, sidelined with a high ankle sprain since June 14, will need a lengthy rehab stint and is still several weeks away from returning to the Rockies. He still is feeling pain in his ankle, which will need to subside before he is activated. Parra signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Rockies in January of 2016 but struggled prior to his injury. But playing half your games in Colorado means that a hot streak could happen at any time. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25, 12-team NL: $45 (if you think that Coors Field results in a big second half)

Hunter Pence – Giants – Pence, who underwent surgery on his torn right hamstring on June 9, began a rehab assignment Saturday and may be available for the Giants' first homestand following the All-Star break starting July 25, despite leaving Saturday's game after the third inning after getting hit by a pitch. When injured, Pence was hitting .298 with seven home runs and 36 RBI in 50 games this year. The Giants have mixed-and-matched in right field in his absence and have the best record in baseball but will welcome Pence back with open arms. 12-team Mixed: $55; 15-team Mixed: $75, 12-team NL: go max remaining

David Peralta, Diamondbacks – Peralta, placed on the 15-day DL on June 20 after dealing with a lower back sprain, kicked off a rehab stint in the rookie league Tuesday. This is his second stint on the DL, which has resulted in Peralta having just 147 at-bats on the year. Prior to being sidelined again, Peralta was hitting a disappointing .259 with four home runs and 15 RBI and a nightmarish 38:8 K:BB ratio. Peralta, who last year hit .312 (eighth best in the National League) with 17 home runs and 78 RBI, gets a chance to turn around his season when he gets activated likely sometime late this week. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22, 12-team NL: $35 (if you believe he is fully healthy and will regain his 2015 form)

Joc Pederson, Dodgers – Pederson, out since June 27 with a sprained right AC joint suffered when he slammed into the outfield wall, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City and could return to the Dodgers by Tuesday. He made a quick turnaround recently, since as of last week, he was still unable to swing a bat. Pederson, who has 13 HR and 33 RBI with a .236/.328/.476 line over 262 plate appearances, will again start just about every day against righties while sitting against almost all southpaws. Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: should be owned, but $55 if not, 12-team NL: owned

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks – Pollock, profiled a few weeks ago, was expected to miss the year after having surgery in April to repair a fracture to the growth plate on his right elbow, the same place it was fractured in 2010. That looks like it won't be the case, as Pollock took significant steps in his rehab Monday, when he did some light throwing with a tennis ball. Pollock plans on progressing shortly to throwing a baseball and he believes he is "close to 100 percent" in his recovery from the surgery. Following the operation, it was announced Pollock would miss at least three months, which will be in July, so he's resumed baseball activities right in line with that estimate. Pollock could be back in early August, making him worth a spot on your bench and an upped early spec bid. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18, 12-team NL: $24 (upped early spec return bid)